No Mortal Reason: A Diana Spaulding Mystery (Diana Spaulding Mystery series) [Paperback]

Kathy Lynn Emerson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Diana Spaulding Mystery series | Publication Date: April 1, 2007

In her thirty-third published novel, the third mystery in this critically acclaimed series featuring "girl-reporter" Diana Spaulding, Kathy Lynn Emerson explores her own roots in rural New York with the aid of her grandfather's diaries. 1888 - When Diana and her fiancee Dr Ben Northcote journey to Sullivan Country, New York, they discover Diana's long-lost relative embroiled in a speculator's crazy scheme to turn the family hotel into the next Saratoga Springs. Then an excavation figs up a skeleton, and Diana must exercise her reporter's nose to clear her Uncle Howd of a ten-year old murder, enhanced by a cast of colourful humans and an aggressive nanny goat.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Full of plot twists and turns, rich historical details, and quirky and intriguing characters. Read it and enjoy!"  —Ann Parker, award-winning author, Silver Lies

"With its lively and engaging characters, its intriguing historical details, and its compelling multi-layered mystery plot, No Mortal Reason is pure joy to read."  —Miriam Grace Monfredo, author, Children of Cain

About the Author

Kathy Lynn Emerson is the author of more than 40 books, including Deadlier Than the Pen, the Face Down Mystery series, Making Headlines, and That Special Smile. She has won the Agatha Award for her nonfiction book How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries. She lives in Wilton, Maine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 275 pages
• Publisher: Pemberley Press (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977191346
• ISBN-13: 978-0977191345
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,808,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to Ms. Emerson's considerable catalog of books!, April 6, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Mortal Reason: A Diana Spaulding Mystery (Diana Spaulding Mystery series) (Paperback)

Kathy Lynn Emerson's thirty-third Diana Spaulding novel is written with an eye towards Emerson's own roots. Ms. Emerson writes in several different genres, including romance, mystery, and children's books. She has also written historical mysteries.

When Diana Spaulding and her fiancé, Dr. Ben Northcote decide to make their way back to Maine for their upcoming wedding, Diana wants to stop in Sullivan County, New York, to look up relatives she has never known. Her mother, Elmira Grant Torrence, had been disowned by her family after running off with Diana's now deceased father. They look up the Grants in Lenape Springs, only to find that the hotel Diana's family owns has been the victim of speculation; arson; and murder. Diana and Ben are caught up in what happened to the victim, whose ten year old skeleton is found under the hotel. Diana's boss, Horatio Foxe, wants her to write copy about the murder for his paper. However, Ben just wants Diana to marry him:

"Ben sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let his hands dangle loosely between them. The telegram, now sadly crumpled, fell to the carpet. For a time, he stared, unseeing, at the pattern of roses on the rug, wondering if Diana would ever be free of her sense of obligation to Horatio Foxe. In a marriage, the wife was supposed to obey her husband in all things. It was right there in the wedding vows. What a pity he could not simply forbid her all further contact with her editor."

Diana Spaulding is an independent woman who has been burned by one marriage and is determined not to repeat the mistake. Ben Northcote is a well-meaning doctor who wants nothing more than to settle down with his wife. This sets up the perfect conflict which, adding in a strange family background and murder, makes for an excellent plot and fun reading. Ms. Emerson used real life historical figures to spice up the tale, as well as considerable research into the area in 1888. She also relied on her grandfather's memoirs to fire her imagination. NO MORTAL REASON is a clearly written historical thriller that informs and entertains the reader. Diana Spaulding is a formidable heroine, with a stubborn streak that adds spice to this page turner. An excellent addition to Ms. Emerson's considerable catalog of books!

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer